Cisctrlab-xnittiire machine



Sept. 4, 1928.

1,683,203 H. MQADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Fild sept. 1s, 192e 5, 2

Harr McAdl-:am

Sept. 4, 1928. 1,683,203

H. McADAMs CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed sept. 18. 192s 9sheets-'sheet 3 IIIHIINIHHIHIHI Ml'lllllllllllllll Sept. 4, 1928.1,683,203

H. MCADAMS ClRCULAR KNITTING MACHlNE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet4 Sept. 4, 1928.

H. MCADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTI'NG MACHINE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9Sheets-Sheet 5 E :L cgi. l l.

Hvar? MECIal-n Sept. 4, 1928J H. MCADAMVS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINEFiled Sept. 18, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 www dmrmll sept. 4, 1928.

H. MCADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE gwmntoz l l t I Elkloznu,

Sept. 4, 192s. 1,683,203

H. M CADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9Sheets-Sheet' 8 El-"EJES,

i .l www; Y Y nnlmlll HEEBMdal-n :J1/wanten Sept. 4. 1928. 1,683,203

H. MCADAMS CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE Filed Sept. 18, 1926 9 SheetsSheet9 Patented Sept. 4, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIcE. y

HARRY VlllIIoADAMS'.` OF PEILADELPHA., PENNSYLVANIA, -ASSIGNCIIBIl OFONE-HALF TO 4 JESSE W. STARR, 3D, OF A'.'LIIliALb'IJIIG- CITY, NEWJERSEY. v

CIBGULAB-KNITTING MACHINE.

Application mea september 1s, 192e, 'serial no. 136,276.

This invention relates to improvements in knitting machines.

The primary lobject of this invention is the provision of an improvedcircular knitting machine adaptable for the knitting of hosiery inwhich' a splice, reinforcing, or secondary thread is to be knit, andembodying improved means for controllingguid ing, directinc', andknitting the reinforcing, splice, or secondary thread in a continuousmanner without waste thereof;` Without the ordinary floated or freeportions. conventionally found in circular knitting machines where areinforcing arca of less than the full circumference than the stockingis knit; and thereby using all of the splice yarn and obviating theusual cutting of the float, portions.

A further object of this invention is the provision of improved meansembodied upon a circular knitting machine for regulating the splicethread during the knitting thereof, to permit the same to knit thesplice in regular manner, and to knit what would ordinarily b'e'thefloat portion into. the splice. A further object of this invention isthe provision of improved means specifically adaptable for lany sort ofcircular knitting machine, and more particularly illustrated andadaptable for-use in connection with the Pigeon-type of circularknit-ting machine such as set forth in Patent No. 1,330,818, grantedFebruary 17, 1920, or in connection with the Banner type of `knittingmachine disclosed in Patent No. 933,443. dated September 7, 1909, butwhich is adapt-able for use in connection with any type of circu lar'knitting-machine, embodying improved mea-ns for regulating asct ofsplice thread needles so asl to permit the same t'o take the` splicethread vas each revolution of the needle cylinder passed a predeterminedsplice needle rontrolling cam mechanism, whereby to knit the splicethread in regular manner and to Control the splice thread afterknitting. in regular manner to knit in the splice of lthe article whatwould ordinarily be the float thread. and thereby economically producinga stocking or article with a saving of practically one half of thevsplice or reinforcing thread, and obviating expensive iioat threadcutting operations now necessary.

Other objects .and advantages of :this invention will be apparentduringthe course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, .forming a part of this-specification, andwherein similar reference characters designate correspending partsthroughout the several views- Figure 1 is a plan view of the improvedcircular knitting machine, showing more particularly the mechanism forguiding and controlling the reinforcing or splice yarn; the same beingshown in position to guide what would ordinarily be the ioat portion ofthe splice yarn into position to be taken in a knitting relation by thesplice thread needles in order to obviate the ioat portion.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the improved knitting machine, showincessential portions of the same in so far as thej'invention hereindescribed is concerned, showing the parts in the relation described' forFigure, 1.

Figure 3 'is a sideelevation of the improved knitting machine, of theparts above shown, at the side directly opposite the view illustrated inFigure 0.

Figure l is a fragmentary side elevation of details illustrated inFigure 2, but showing an arrangement of parts by which the splice threadis kicked7 into position to be received by the beards or hooks of thesplice thread receiving needles.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary front elevation of the knitting cylinder,showinginore par` ticularlythenovel cam means for elevating andregulatinglthe splice thread receiving needles.

Figure G is afragmcntary'plan view of certain details of splice threadneedle controlling cams. Y

Figure 7 is a sectional Viewl taken substantially onthe line 7--7. ofFigure 6,

Figure S isv a sectional view taken sub-i embodied in this invention andmorablewith the rotary needle cylinder to. regulate the interval at.whichsplioe yarn is placed upon the splice yarnreceiving needles.

Figure 1d is a diagrammaticdevelopment on a plane surface of theknitting needles and their cam arrangements.

F iguie l5 is a vertical sectional View taken tl11ouffh .the improvedrotary knittinv cylinder, s ioxvi fr the l'relation .cf needles andneedlebutt -jacks'. Figures 16 to 25 inclusive arelfragmentaryvperspcctive views illustratingr the vari- -ous stepsinfthe: knitting of the splice or reinforcingyarn, in roper sequence.

AIn fthe drawings,- w erein for the purpose of illustration isshown onlya preferred cmbodim'ent of lmechanism for carrying out the objects ofthis invention, the letter A may generally designate the improvedknitting machine, which may include a rotary needle supporting cylinderB. rotatably supported upon a frame C.

The needle supporting cylinder B receives complementary sets of needlesD and E; and cam means Fis provided for preferably opcrating upon all ofthe needles of both sets l) and E for regulating the reception of themain yarn, and moving them into knitting relation with respect to mainand splice yarns as illustrated in Figure let. Novel cam means G isprovided for guiding and regulating the needles en the sct of needles Eso that they may take the splice, reinforcing, or secondary yarn tocontinuously knit the same without any waste or float portions appearingin the knitted stocking or garment. A splice thread guide arm H isprovided, operated hy means K to control the splice thread S in vthcproper knitting relation with respect to the knitting needles of thesplice thread receiving needles E as illustrated in Figures l, 2 and 1G.Means M is provided .for operating upon the splice thread S to 'insurethat the portion of the splice thread which would be vthe ordinary floatportion in conventional knitting is thrown onto the needles vof the setE so that the beards or hooks will receive the same in a knittingrrelation. Means P isV provided for bringing what would ordinarily be thefloat portion of the splice thread to the outside of the circular lineof lmitting needles so that the needles of the set E may receive thesame in a knitting relation, the means P performing the additionalfunction of revulating the knitting feed ofthe splice yarn b when thatportion of the splice yarn which would be the ordinary float portion inconventional knittinfr, is knit into the splice in the garment. 'leansR, and T illustrated in Fig. 8, are controlled b pattern control meansof the knitting mac ine, for respectively maintaining the meansl M and Pinoperative during the knitting of certain parts of the garment, such asin the case of. hosiery, the knitting of thel heelfand -toe pockets.

In the circularvkn-itting .meanszthe needle cylinderis that'type' adated to .be rotated to produce plain tubular vnitting',vor oscillated toforinheelcr toe ockets for stockings or the like-The nee les shown areof the sprin beard type, although I use other types if esired. Suitableyarn supporters and beard' depressors cooperate with -the needles inaknitting operation. In the production ofv hosiery it. is needless tostate to those skilled in vthe art that a splice yarn, reinforcing yarn,or secondary yarn, is used to produce the high splice, reinforced footportion, or other parts of the stocking or garment beino' knitted.

Many details of operating mechanism, conventionally known to thoseskilled in the art,

and more particularly shown in the patents above referred to, areomitted from the type of knitting machine illustration in the drawings,and manufactured by the l/Vildman Mfg. Co., Norristown, Penna.

v Referring to the drawings, the needle cylinder B is mount-ed to rotateor oscillatev in a supporting bed 26, more particularly illustrated inFigure 15 of the drawings. This needle cylinder is provided with springbeard needles 27, which are divided into the two sets or series D and E,as diagrammatically represented in Figure 14 of the drawings. Theneedles in the set D operate at all times during plain tubular knitting,but the needles of the set E are preferabl constructed and operated uponto make t 1e reinforcing or high splice of the garment being knittedupon.

As above noted the needles 2'? are preferablyv ot' the spring beardtype, and cooperating with each needle 27 is-a beard depressor 28, ofthe conventional type. The beard depressors are actuated by cams (notshown) carried by the cam ring or cap 29, which is stationary and may beconsidered a part of the frame C. These beard depressors and theiroperating mechanisms formno part of the present invention as may benoted, but it 1s essential to place certain guide means to avoidthe-saine during the .novel operation of the splice yarns.

The main yarn L is fed in ordinary manner to the needles 27 from ayarnguide 30, see Figure 2, pivotally supported upon a lill pin 31, anda plurality of which yarn guides 30, for the main yarn L, may beprovided, according to ordinary construction. The main yarn is of coursefed against `the Shanks of the needlesvvell helow Vthe heards ot theneedles when said needles are at their highest level. The yarn issupported by yarn supporters or sinkers 31 which are mounted to slide inradial slots in a tinker ring 32 secured to the upper end ol thecylinder and rotatable therewith. The said yarn sinkers are provded/withyarn and fabric supporting ler'ges 33, shown in Fig ure 15, which shouldbe` noted, in so far as this invention is concerned, since a specialguide shown in Fiq. l, at i259 is provided to take the splice yarn overthe saine at a certain interval, as will be subsequently inentioned. The.said yarn supporters 31 are moved radial of the needle cylinder B bymeans of certain cam grooves provided in the cam rin; 29. and theconstruction is eo'nventional as will be well understood by thofseskilled in the art. The needles ot the series D have Shanks which arelonger than the Shanks of 'the needles ot the series E. That is, the,length of each needle of the series D is greater than the length of theneedle of the series as illustrated in Fig. 14;, -although this ismerely one arraneenientdiy which the control of the needles is etlected.The needles of the series D and E may he respectively proved with buttsand. 36, as shown in Figure 14. Vhile ordinarily the butts 35 are longerthan the butts 36, for this invention they may all he considered as ofthe same length. A novel feature of the invention is the provision of asla-rial jack 37 for each needle of the series E, slidably disposed inthe guide grooves of the needle' Cylinder, below the respective needlesof the set or series E. Flach of the short jacks 37 is provided with abutt ln fact., each needle o't the series E may be said to be dividedinto upper and lower portions with an upper and lower butt respectively,movable relatively toward and away from each other by the cam means Fand (ir to be subsequently described, to etfeet the purpose of thisinvention to be subsequently set forth.

The direction of rotation of the ,needle cylinder' is as shown in Figure1 ot' the drawings, by the arrow, and the needles rotate in thedirection illustrated by the arrow in Fig; ure 14.

As to the cani means F, the saine includes a rain Llt), upon which thebutts 35 and $36 of the needles of both series D and Bride, to bring theneedles from their lower positions, starting at the point 41 whieh isillustrated in Figs. 2, 1.4, 16. 17, 18, 19, 23, 24 and 25, to fullyelevate the same above the sinkers 31. The needles of the series D and.E during the normal rotary travel remain elevated from the location 43to the point 45 illustrated in Figs. 1l, 16, 18, 19, Q3, 24C and 2f),and at location 45 the butts 35 and 36 are engaged hy' cam ni-eans 45Sof Fig. 1l, and the needles are lowered in order to brine; the :nain andsplice yarns, as ihe ease may he, into knitting relation at the point 47.illustrated in Figs. 14 and lll to inclusive. After the knit of theyarn has heen elicit-ted the butts 35 and 36 ride along a eaux 4i), asshown in Fig. 1&1, and are elevated oneo more, heiner fully elevated at,the loeation 50, and all of the needles of the series D and E travel invfully elevated relation from the point 5d to the location 51, as shownin Figures 3, 14 and 16 to inclusive, at which all of the needles ofboth sets D and E are a'gain lowered hy a cam 5'2, shown in Fil. .14,which operates on the butts 35 and 3G. The needles of both series arethen tally lowered at the location 53 illustrated in Fi g1'- ures 14,'iti to 1i@ and 20 to Q5 inclusive. and in the case of tile needles ofthe seriesr l) the same continue in a lowered travel during the rotationof the cylinder until the cani 4() shown in Fie 14 and as abovementioned is reached. a'nii hence. they are elevated again. This is np'ttrue of the needles of the series E, hovvwer, since due to the frontposition of the special cani means G and the` short jacks 3T, theneedles of the series E are ele vated in otder to lake the splice yarnto the knitting point 47.

At this-time referring to Figures 5, 6, 7, 11 and 14, which show thespecial earn means (l, it is to he noted that they approach the t ainmeans (if the short jacks 3T are positioned in a considerallly spacedrelation below the lowerinostedges of the respective needles apen whichthey operate. Even when the needles in the series E are fully lowered,and prior to operation of the jacks 37 upon the cani means (ir, there isa Space illustrated at, in Figure, il of the drawings, between the topedge of eaclrjark 37 and the lower edge ot each respective needlethereabove in the series E. As the jacks 37 approach the .cani ineans G,the butts-58 thereof first ride .upwardly upon an inclined cain 5G, anddue to the tact that the effective throw ot this cani is Lgreater thanthe space 55, the top edge of each short jack 3T engages the lower edgeof the needle thereabove and pushes its respective needle in the seriesE upwardly troni the low point 58 to the point 5S), as illustrated inFigs. 5, 1l, 1l and 16 which is about one half of the normal highelevation of the needle beards. The butts 3S ride oil' ot the cam 56when the needles haye been elevated, to the point 59 and the butts 38 otthe short jacks 37 then come into contart with an oppositely inclinedrain (i0, which lowers the short jacks 37 to their normal lowerposition. as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 14, and they continue in thislower position ride, and the needles ot the series ll are elevated fromthe ioratiou til to the fully elevated location (i5, and in thiselevated condition the needles of the series lil receive the splicevarii S, as is illustrated in Figs. ll, lt. it) and Lft). And the saidneedles of ,the series E remain fully elevated from the loeat ion (S5until they are carried downwardly by the bain 4G to the knitting pointdi", aiidat iiliiiih time the splice yarn is of course kiiit in with tle main yarn.

Referring to the-mounting of the cams 5G, 4(30km-ull (12 as isillustrated in Figures (5, 7

and li of the drawings, a rain supporting.

block or member G8 is mounted upon the stipporting bed 26, at the frontof the knitting iiiaehinel, and one side oftthe block or member (38 isbeveled at (59, and upon this side is slidably placed the cam t. Theeaiii 5G illustrated in Figure 6 is elongated and provided with a pairof elongated slots Tt) therealong which receive screws oi' guide pins Tlronnwbted in the bleek or ii'ieiiiber (i8. so as io'pernlit th 'gaintiti to slide longitudinally and preferably radial of the needlecylinder B, so thatV when fully extended towards the `cylinder the innermargin thereof will be positioned to engage the butts 3S of the shortjacks 3T. A leaf spi-iini 'T2 shown in Filis. t and ll is connected attl on the bloc-k i215, and at its free end is resiliently urged intoengagement against a shoulder T4 at the outer end of the eaiu member 5G,to urge the same normally into position for engaging the butts This rainmeiiilier 5t) adjacent its outer end is provided with an upwardly facingrecess iii which tits the outer end of ailever 76, which will besulisefiui utly described as part of the means lt to retract the cam atiso that it will not. engage the butts B8, and therefore will not operateduring periods when the splice or ieiiit'ori'ing yarn is not received bythe needle cylinder, such as when the latter is oscillating.

'l'he block titi attached by screws T8 on the supporting bed 26, toprevent itsl iiio\e nient. and the opposite side of the saine is alsobeveled at 8th for receivingl the stations ary eam, iiieiiiliertit) in:i roniieeted relation bv screws Si oi' the lilac. 'l'liis eam (it) isnot movable and is always in position to pull the short jaclo` ST downto their fully lowered position.

stationary aframe plate S3 receives the needle cylinder therethrough andpractically surrounds the needle cylinder, in spaced relation above thesupporting hed 26 above mentioned, the saine :it-[the front thereofbeing cutaway to accommodate the cams eti and (it), as shown in Fig. I,and 'it heini,T preferred that the plate 83 support the cani means Fabove described and other details of ctinventional character well knownto those skilled in the ordinary construction of machines of thischaracter. The Cain 62 is rigid upon a bracket. 84 supported on thefi'aine.iiiig 83, at the front of the knitting machine, as shown in Fig.5,l and in the relation above described to elevate the splice yarnreceiving needles of the series lf] to their fully elevated splice yarnreceiving positions. The position of cams It and t: is well illustratedin a developed plane in Figure il and the cams G in front elevation inFigure 5.

Other cam details which come into play during the oscillation of thecylinder B need not be described, as they are conventional and areillustrated in diagrammatic manner in Figure 14 of the drawings.

Details of the mechanisms K, M, and P will now be described, and theoperation in a proper knitting sequence will be later given to set forththe cooperation of the elements of these various mechanisms.

The splice yarn guide arm H as is illustrated in Figures 1 and Q, andelsewhere, is preferably elongated, and at the front end thereof isinwardly curved at 85 as shown in Fig. l, towards the knitting cylinder13, `aiqid at the free end thereof the saine is provided with adownturned right angled por tion 8G which is adapted to normally restupon the top surface of the stationary cam ring 29. At its rear end thesplice yarn guide arm H is adjust-ably received in a sleeve portion 87of au L-shaped bracket S8, which is pivoted upon a supporting pin Si)rotatably mounted on a statitfiiiary bracket il() as part of the frameC. `The arni H at the lower end of the portion 86 is provided with atransverse opening Sil, through which the splice yarn S extends in aguided reli tion for engaging the knitting needles as will besubsequently mentioned. The guide arm H is elevated from its normalposition illustrated in Figure .2 to the position illustrated in FigureLl, in order to permit the splice yarn receiving needles of the serieslil to clear the splice yarn at the time after a swinging ariii ormember 95@ of the means M has pushed the splice yarn beneath thebeardsof the needles of the series E, as is illust rated', in Figure 4of the drawings. It is very netessary for the arin'H to Clear thesplit-e yarn, feeding from the bobbin to theiieedles, to prevententanglement when knity ting what would ordinarily be the 'float por-vtion of the splicer lei'erring now to the means K which eleialf thenumber of teeth 108. 40.4

yates and lowers. `the aplico yarn guide arm H. a lever 05 is pivoted at90 upon a` bracket 97 forming a part of thc trame C. ',lfhial lever 95adjacent the free end thereof is provided with a lati-rally extendingarm b' non nially spaced alightlv below the guide arm ll at a, locationbetween the free end ol'l the arm llV and ii.` pivot H0, and in auchpoaition that upon t-leiation ol' tht` lever 9S) the arm Utl will engagethe arin ll and elevate the same lo the pmiiioii illustrated in Figure4. The nii-:ina for eli-vatin the lever U to perforni ila functionoperated in s vnchronisni with rotation ot the cylinder B. To this end,upon the. main shaft 100, or Sonie other rotary .shaft of the machine Ahaving proper iotation with the cylinder B, a disc 101 in preferablyplaced, having diametrically opposed pins 102 and 103 thereon. A. paw]supportingr lever 104. is pivoled at. 105 .on the frame C, in anysuitable location, and this lever 105 at the free end thereof is pro,-vided with a pawl 106 normally spring urged by meanv 107 into engagementwith the teeth 108 on a ratchet wheel 109 rotatably mounted upon a pinor shaft 110 which is in turn supported by the bracket 07.Iiitei-mediate its ends the lever arnr 104 is previded with an extension111 which may have a beveled edge 112 in the nature of a cani surfaceover which the pins 102 and 103 may ide to oscillale the lever 104 tfopermit the 'paul 106 to engage the various teeth 1025 of ythe ratchetwheel 109 and rotate the latter. Rigid with the ratchet wheel S) is acam wheel 115 at the inner side thereof, of substantially the samediameter, and having,r a plurality of cam teeth 117 amounting to oneThese teeth 117 operate in a cani like manner upon an 'adjustable anddetachable linger 110 which `,is carried intermediate its ends upon the.lever 05 above described, as hy a detachable Screw 120.

'1n the operation of the means K it is assumed that the shaft 100rotates at the same speed of rotation as the needle cylin der B.Assuming the. varn arm H to be lowered il ustrated in Figure il, theneedleS of the series E are just starting to elevate to take the spliceyarn S, which has:

,been drawn by thel means P to the outside of the line of needles of thecylinder. As the cylinder B continues to rotate the pin dise ,101 willalao rotate and thek pin 10:2 rides over the edge. 112 of the lever1,04, elevating; the lever '101 from the position illustrated in Figure2, slightly, until the pawl 10p thereof engages beneath they uppermosttooth 108 immediately adjacent the top of the pavvl 101i, which puehesthev ratchet wheel 109 mound slightly; and just about sullcient to cauaethe linger 119 to ride up u on the adjacent tooth 117 of the cani Whee115, to the position illustrated in Figure il of the drawing. ThisKoperation of course eleratesy the lever 0:1 and consequently through thearui 18 elevates the yarn arm l1 to the position illnstrated in Figurel. and this clevales the aplice yarn S to a pobition where the same cannot he entangled by the approaching needles designated as E in Figure 4ot' the drawingra. In the meantime, just before the elevation of the armH, the Swing;- ing arm 05" has pushed the splice yarn to the inside ofthe line of needles E which have just been elevated, as illustrated inFigure 1t) ot' the drawings, so that the splice yarn will catch beneaththe beards of the needle@` in the series F. The arm H then remainselevated by reason of resting of the linger 110 on the top teeth 117, asYillustrated in Figure 4, and the dise 101 continues to rotate for about150", according to the timing de sired, until the pin 103 rides intoengage ment with the edge 112 of the lever 104 which has lowered in themeantime to stop 101 and at this time the splice receiving needles ofthe bei-ies lil have all pasaed the splice Ivarn at the threadedlocation on' the arm Il, and duc to coming;y of the pin 103 intoengagement with the lever 101, the lat-. ler will lie elevated forrotatinpr the ratchet wheel 100 to the position illustrated in Figure 2of the. drawings, Where the linger 119 in immediately in the rear of oneot the teeth 11T and ready to ride upwardlq` thereon when the operationabove dmaerihed ia repeated. This of course lowers arm 151 lo the poition shown in .Figline Referring to the means M, aa above nientioncd.the naine inclui'lea` an arm 05' adapted to more the eplice yarn intoreceiving relation by the hooks or beards of the splice` yarn receivingneedles at` the proper time. Thies arm 0:. may he a pivoteil arm orslidable arm., just so it moves to perform the function above defafrihedin synifhroniam willi the rotating needle cylinder l. The preferredarrangement is that ot' providinjr an arm 05 pivoled at 130 on the upperendg. of a bracket arni lill. Braekel' arm 1.81 is leupported at 121:5on the front. top 1-1; l the stationary cani ringfild :te own in Figs. 1and 2. A Springy 183 in provided. engaging at one end the hraclutt lilland al the op 'ponte end the pivot arnitL below its pivot point 1230;zal spring 1213 noriiiaily being under tenaion to urge. the pivnted ariuouti-vardly at its lower end to the outer ride ot the circular line. otneedlef` ol' the needle c vlinler-ll. and againel' a -tep projection 134provided as; a partl of tht` bracket lill, aliliongh not neccaearily apart thereof. The lower end of the arm 95 is provided with a hookextension 130 inclined slightly toward the renter of the needle cylinderB, andin a position just forwardly of the yarn \g fuide arm H.y Wherethe same upon swinging ,inwardly to the inside of the circular line lll).the shaft- 151 is slidably of knitting needles may carry the spliceyarn S into engagement with the outer side of the elevated needles whichhave jitst. been elevated by the earn G2 to their fully elevatedposit-ion, so that the beards ot' the needles of the series E may engagethe splice yarn at the portion which is ordinarily the lioat, portion,and as will be subsequentlydescribed in setting forth the cycle ofoperation.

As to the proper oscillation of the arm an* operating lever 1.40 isprovided. pivoted on a pin 141. lcarried by the braeket 131 or a partadjacent thereto. This lever at its lower end extends below the cam ring29 and is provided with an inturned foot 143 which rides against theouter `surfaee of a cam ring 144, which is more nirtieularly detailed inFigure 13, and which is suitably mounted as by keying on the sinker ring32 of the rotating needle eyls inder. The sinker ring 32, as is wellunderstood in the practical art rotates with the cylinder B, since thesinkers 31 intel-mesh with the cylinder needles. This eam 144 may beprovided with cam shoulders 146 designed to swing the foot 143 outwardlyand cause inward swinging of the splice yarn controlling arm 95u due toa link connection between the lever 140 at the upper end thereof andsaid arm 95, as is illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. Lever 140 islimited by a stop 141a shown in Figs. 1 and Q.

Referring to the means P, it may be stated at this time that the sameserves .two very important and primary functions, trst, te bring whatwould ordinarily be the lioat portion of the splice thread to theout-side, of the circular line of cylinder needles in. order that thisportion of the splice yarn or thread may be received on the, series Eoi' the splice knitting needles. The second important feature ot' themeans P is to hold the splice yarn until sutlicient of the splice orreinforcing thread S has been pulled otl' o the bobbin in an amount.required to knit w iat would ordinarily he the tloat thread into th'esplice. and after this mount has been pulled from the bobbin the means lslowly feeds it to enable what would ordinarily be the float thread toknit into the fabric. This operation will be more thoroughly detailedhereinafter.

The means P is best 1, 3 and 9 of the drawings, and alsorin ure 2. 1tincludes a horizontal swinging arm 1.50, which at one end thereof isprovided with a right angled and vertical siaft 151 received in a rigidrelation within a sleeve portion 152 thereof, so that the lower end ofthe shaft 151 extends below the lower edge of the sleeve 152. This lowerend of mounted in the Vertical passageway 154 of a vertical sleeveillustrated in Figures Fig- 1 15.7 provided as part of a delai-hableln'zltwt 156 mounted on the stationary cani ring 2), as illustrated inFigure ii o1 the '.rswlngs. The y:hatt 151 may reeil'iroeate in :hepassageway 154 of the' sleeve 155. At itsl lower end the shaft 151extends below the siervo and is provided with a right. angled arm 157which supports a. roller 15S at the tree end thereof, operating upon :idetachable cani ring 150 which is (letaelnilily keyed on the sinker ring25:2 of the rotary cylinder B, as illustrated in Figure 15. A spiral.spiing 1o() envireles the sleeve 155 and the portion 13; ot the arm150, at its lower and ,being eonneeted to the bracket 15G andL a: itsupper end being ronnected about :i l' which is part et' the sleeve 1,12;the spi nl; t'io being under a tension to normally swing the arm 150inwardly toward the main yarn guide litktoaposiion tolles-:1%seuorinlj.'inseribi The cam 15S? rotates. with the cylinder in thedirection o' the arrow illustrated in Fieure 1,.;1nd during the norinairiding ot the roller 158 ou the, portion tti-v oi the rain 1.3i) whichis eoneentrio with they rotary cylinder, the arm 150 is maintained inthe raisition illustrated in Figures 1 and l. A the. roller 158 ridesonto the gradually sloping portion 166 o1 the earn 15%). the arm '1.50is slowly fed inwardly to feed the splice thread to enable the knittingot' what would ordin narily be the float portion of the splice yarn, andafter the splice yarn has been knitted to thepend of the series ofneedles E, the roller 158 rides onto the sharply inclined cam surface168 of the cam 159 and quickly throws the arm 150 to the outside of thecircular line of knitting needles, and in so doing the same engages thesplice yarn to pull the same to the position illustrated in Figure 1 aswill be subsequently understood more tully.

The arm 150 at the free end thereof is provided with a tubular sleeveportion 17()7 in which a shaft 171 is oscillatively mounted. TheI shaftV171 at the upper end lthereof is provided with a laterally extendingarm 172 rigid therewith shown in Fig. 1, and at the. lower end thereofthe same is provided with the right angled hook portion 175 shown inFig. 3 which guides the splice yarn in the variousoperations above andto be subsequently mentioned. A spring' 176 under tension engages thearm 172 at one end and is held at its opposite end by a bracket 17Sattached to the arm 1.50. and normally swings the hook end 175 away fromthe arm 150, butthis movement is limited by means of the arm 172engaging a stop extension rigid on arm 15H as shown in Figures 1 and 3.The arni 123.8 is provided` with a finger projection 182%, shown inFigs. 1 and 3. which engages against a vertieal stop rod 184 rigid oncap 29', as the arm 150 approaches its outer movement, to turn the arm172 slightly and swing the hook end 175 swinos to its4 outermost i tive.

away from the line of needles. This opera- .tionof course only occiuswhen the arm 150 osition as illustrated in Figure 1 ofthe rawings.

lTo bufl` tlie action which the sharp cam surface `168has on theswinging of the arm 150, a resilient buil pad 185 is placed on abracket' 185 carried by the cam ring 29, which an extension 185 on thearm 150 may engage at the outward limit of movement of the arm 150, asillustrated in Figure 1. This eliminates noise and shock upon theparts,-

since it must be understood that the needle cylinder rotates at aconsiderable s eed and unnecessary shock and vibration o parts of suoliwill have to be eliminated.

The hook end 175 ofi the means P must of course be elevated above thetop surface of the cam ring 29 at the outward limitof swinging of thearm 150, but it is desirable that the samebe lowered within thepassageway of the needle cylinderl 13, in order to pass beneath theplate 190. Both at theinner and outer limits of movement .of the arm 150the hook end 175 is elevated, and this is attained as shown in Figs. 3and 9, by providing a cam ringer 191 on thelower end of the sleeveportion 152 of the arm 150, which operates upon inclined cam shoulders192 and 1931of sleeve 155, to mark the inner and outer limits ofamplitude of movement of the arm 150, and consequently when the finger191 rides upon the surface 194 of the sleeve 155, the hook 175 will belowered in the upper end of the needle cylinder, but

when itrides up on the shoulders 192 and 193 the shaft 15.1fwill slideupwardly in the sleeve 155 on the bracket 156, to elevate the hook 175.

There are times when the reinforcing thread- .is not used. Then theswingingsplice 'thread control means P, and the means M are locked andretained inopera- This locking, as above mentioned is controlled by themeans R and T, which themselves are Voperably controlled by the patterncontrolled means, as will be well understood by -those skilled in theart to which this invention relates.

Referringto the means T for lockingthe arm 150 against swinging, and` tomaintain the means; P inoperative, the same includes alever l200illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, ivoted at 201 on the frame C,and which at t e free end thereof is connected to a vertically slidablelock rod 202, guided by bracket means 203 supported by the frame tableor ring 83, so that normally when the lock rod 202 .is lowered it willbe out of obstructing relation with respect to the roller. supportingarm 157 of the swingingarm` shaftv 151, as illustrated in Fig'. 3, butuson certain elevation of the lever 200 the said 1ockrod202 may beelevated to engage against the inner edge surface of the that it cannotswing .inwardly responsive to the sprin'g 160,.as can be understood fromFig. 1. lhe upper end of the bracket 203 may act as a stop against whichthe roller 158 abuts to limit the outward. swing of the rollersupporting arm 157 and consequently the arm 150, as can readily begained from Figures 1 and 3 rof the drawings.

The means for operating 'the lever 200 consists of a special 4disc ormember 208 connected for rotation with the pawling shaft 209 of themachine A., which as is well understood in the art is controlled by pawland ratchet mechanisms operatedvin turn by links with special lugs, sothat the high splice and reinforced.4 sole can be' brought into. play asdesired. This mechanism is of course all controlled by thepatterncontrol device. This disc.208 is' rovidcd with a peripheral notch 210therein, wherein a lug 2.11, .formed intermediate'the ends of the lever-200 drops during the knit ting of the high spl'ice, 1n order to removethe stop rod 202 from obstructing swinging movement of the' arm157. Thedise 208 has a second notch 212 therein, illustrated in Figure 3 of thedrawings, intov which the lug 211 falls, to remove the stop rod 202 fromthe ,path of the swinging arm 157 during the knitting of the splice orreinforced sole of the stocking. During all other times the lug 211rides on the periphery of the disc 208, such as during the oscillationof the needle cylinder wheirknitting the heel and toe, and during otheroperations, as will be readily apparent, tolock the means P.

Referring to the means R, the same, as shown in Fig. 3, includes vavertically., disposed level` 215, -pivoted at 216a on the frame C, andat the upper end thereof: being connected by a link V216 wit-hthez-lcver76, which is pivotedat 218 on the stationary supporting bed 26,asillustrated in Figure lhe lever 76 as above mentioned has one functionin that-tho same controls the cam 56. It has another function inconnection with -the mechanism illustrated in Figures 1l and 12 of thedrawings. This mechanism -arm 157, to lock the arm 157 outwardly soincludes a stop shaft or rod 220, sl'idably supported by a bracket 221which is mount-- ed upon the frame ring 83. The rod '220 is verticallydisposed, and the bracket 221 includes upper and lower apertured sleevesextension 227 connected withthe lower end of lever rand, .extendingbelow the cam engaging. foot 143 thereof, in such position that when-therod 220 is elevated it will extend above the lower portion of the stopmember 227 to hold the lever -1110 out Vot engagement-'with its cam ring144, andthus holdingthe arm 95, at its lower end, entirel'y within thecircula-rline of knit-ting needles, and out of operating relation withthe splice arn. As is illustrated in Figure -12 ofthe rawings, the-freeend ofthe lever 76 is providedwith an upwardly inclined cam'poi't'ion230,- which lunder certain -Icircumstances, when it is desired tomaintain the meansM inoperative, rides againstthe lower end of the stopin `or shaft 220 to force thesanie upwar ly into obstructing relation'with the lever 140- to maintain the letter inoperative as abovementioned, and as will -bevsubsequentl'y set forth.

Thevnieans for operating the lever 215 as is shown in Figs. 3 and 10consists in the provisionoi' a notched operatingdisc 235, keyed in anymanner for movement withthe disc Y208 asbydetachable screws 236. Thedise235 is'provided with anot-ch 237 therein similar to the notch 210 ofVthe disc 208,- and likewiseadapted to receivea lub 238 ofthe lever 215,when the lever 215 is to be maintained in posit-ion to retract the stoppin 220-and permit the cam 56 to operate on-the butts 38.` The lug 238rests in its notch 237 during the knittingr of the high-splice. The lug;or extension 238 is received within a second; notch .arrangement 240 ofthe disc 235 during knitting off-the splice sole, and during theknitting of the reinorced toe, the lug 238 rides on the outer peripheryof the disc Y235', to swingT the lever 215 outwardly and move the lever76 to withdraw the -cam .56 out of the path of the butts 38 and toelevate the stop )in 220 to hold the means M inoperative. i sprintr 245under tension, isconnected at one endp2fl6 on the frame C and at theother end engages the upper end of the lever 215 to normally urge theextension 238 against disc 235.

Referring now to the cycle of o )eration in so feras the knitting ofythe spli S is concerned,the vFigures -16 to 25-inclusive follow insequence with the description of the operation.

In Figure 16 is illustrated the needle cylinder with the needle means ofthe series E'elevatedy and about to receive the splice yarn S in amanner in which splice yarn is received upon the needles of an ordinarycircular knitting machine for regular knitting of the splice yarn. Therotation of .the needle cylinder is in the direction indicated by thearrow in Figure 16, and while the lower hook end 136 of the arm 95aL isshown as engaging the splice vyarn S and holdinf.I it at the inside oi'the circular line of needles, yet in this position of parts the hook endof the arm 95a plays no important 'ce thread function, since the spliceyarn would just as Well he ifeceived'on the needles E for regularknitting of the splieeyarn, where the arm 95n not present. This -issobecause the uide 11i-m H is lowered and -enables the ioremost advancingelevated needle'to pull the yarn S oil' the hook'136 to the outside ofthe needles of series E. It is in a future operation thatthe hook end ofthe arm 951 p 'ays an important art, as will be subsequently described.s the cylinder rotates to the osition illustrated 1n Figure 17, about alialf a revolution of the cylinder B, in the parts shown, the s licethread S has wrapped about all of e needles of the series E, as inregularsplice thread knitting, and is being it in at the point 47, ascan readily be understood.A Splice yarn .S at the location`250'illust1ated in Figure 17 is enga-ged about the last of the needlesof the series E, and the part of the splice thread shown in Figure 17from the point 250 toward the apertured veye-at the free end of .theguide Aarm H isthe pai-t that would ordinarily be the-.iloatftliread inconventional knitting.v It is tovbe noted that from the positionillustrated in Figure 16 to the position illustrated in Figure 17 theneedles E have all passed-the -splice yarn guide end of the arm H andthesplice yarn has of course passed off of the hook end o-f the aim 95l dueto the fact that the arm H remains lowered and -the splice yarn catchingon theffrstl needle of theseries E pulls the; saine off of the hook endof the arm 95, During this movement of part-s, the linclined portion 166of the cani 159 receives the roller 158 of the means P, to slowly swingthe arm 150 inwardly over the needle cylinder, and this movesthe lowerhook end 175 of the means P across the-top of the cylinder B, to thelocation illustrated in Figure 17, and before the splice thread haspassed under the hook end 175, the cam finger 191 illustrated in Figure9 rides up on the shoulder 192, to elevate the hook end 175 beneath thecutter plate 190, and this movement enables the thread to passefiiciently beneath hook 175. Immediately after the splice yarn haspassed under the hook end 175, after a slight advance of t-he rotationfrom a position illustrated in Figure 17, the sharply inclined surface168 of the cam 159 rides'against the roller 158 and quickly swings thearm 150 back to its normal position, and the hook end 175 grasps thesplice yarn S during this movement, as illustrated in Figure 18. andswings the saine to the outside of. Ithe circular 'line of knitting'needles, to the position illustrated in Figure 19. At this time, thelast of the regulai knit in the splice has been effected, and thethreads shown in Figure 18 is what would ordinarily be the float Ythreadof the splice yarn, which-is brought to the outside of the Un i series Ecommence to rise by reason of operationon the cam means G abovedescribed. Before the first of these needlcs of the series -E reachesthe splice yarn `tguide end of the arm. H, the" foot.` end143 of thelever 140 is engaged bythe cam 144, at the throw portionle'tfthereof, toswing the u per end of the lever 140 inwardlvand -inci ental .to thelink connection 145 this swings the arm 95L at its lower hook end 136againstthe splice' yarn S between the connection in the aperture 9 1.;onthearm H and the first elevated needlel of thoseries E, A:so that thel.splice yarn lis pushed inwardly to enga-ge beneath the beards of theelevated vneedles of the series E. Atthis time the guide arm H islowered as illustrated in Figure 19, and in the, position illustrated inFigure 2 in side elevation4 But 4at this interval, however, `andbeforeithe first elevated needle of' 'the series E can reachthe Jortion255 of the splice yarn as illustrate in Figure 19,

the means K operate to throw the lever 95 upwardly,fas abovedcscribed,which elevates thegnidearm H at its Vfreeend, and throws the splice yarnupwardly, in so-far as the portion255 is concerned, so that it willclearV the advancing needles of the series E. The

arm 95a has now performed its function, since ithas brought what wouldlordinarily be the i float ortion of the splice yarn about the outsiesofthe lineof needles'E, and upon continued-rotation to the positionillustrated 1in Figure 20 the yarn S rides oli of the lower hook' endofthe swinging arm 95". Duringall of this ltime, however, the hook cnd17 5 of the means P keeps hold of the splice yarn, 'and isA pulling thesplice ;yarn from the bobbin as the splice yarn is carried on theneedles E away from the hook The ob'ect in 'pulling the splice yarn ofiof the bo bin at this tiine, is to insure that a sufficient amountl ofthe splice yarn will be provided to enable knitting in the splice of thestocking, of that portion of the yarn which would ordinarily be thefica-t portion, since during the knitting of this port-ion the bobbinisat the wrong end of the thread about to knit in, -that is, the

"thread "rom the bobbiu has, its line extending direct to the liistneedle of the series ifi where the knitting first takes place, whereaswhen .knitting regular in the splice-the splice thread --lrom the bobbinextends to a point about. a needle of the series Eto the rear of theknitting point. Thus, the means P at this time pulls sufficient of thethread from the bobbin to enable the knit inof the splice thread andprevent .the

formation of a oat.

urn S to` 33 which extend to the inside of the circular line of:necdles, a guide bracket 258 is provided, having -a'n arcuate lowerportion 259.

on which .the splicethread rides; the said m1114259 being at a.location' immediately above. the inwardly extendingl ends of the' yarnsupporters 3l, as illustrated in Fig- 'ure 19.

pressors 2S, a guide plate Y260 is provided, over whichthe splice-yarnrides as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20.

From the position of parts from Figures p Also, to prevent. the-spliceyarn -at this-point from catching on the beard de- 20 to 21, thatportion of the splice yarn which would ordinarily b`etl1efloat` portionhas been placedabout the outer sides of the series of needles E, and thelast of the series E has elevated and is designated at 261 in Figure 21.The cylinder'B is still rotatinr andthe hook end 175 still lholds thesplice yarn to pull the same from the bobbin. Immediately at the timethat the first of the needles of the series E lowersV to knit in at thepoint 47, the cam surface 166 rides Vagainst theroller 15S and permits4the arm 150 to slowly feed the hook end 175 inwardly acrossthe top ofthe cylinder B, as is illustrated in Figure 22, and this.

to the position illustrated in Figure 23 tl1ev arm has swung to theoutside of the circular line of` knittingr needles,l out of 0bstructingrelation with respect to the splice yarn. As is illustrated iny Figure23, a Alug 275 is placed beneath thecutter plate-190, to'depress thesplice yarn S along its lengt-h from the lsplice point 277 illustratedin Figure :23 to the guide aperture 91 in the arm H; and thisd'epressionis effected in order to lower this lengtlroi' splice yarn below theinwardly swinging hook. end 17 5. It` is to be noted that all of thetime-the hook 17 5 is swinging inwardly over the needle cylinv der, andducI lto the fact that the length between the points 91 and 277, asillustra-ted in l*`igurc 23, rides beneath the hook 175, and since thehook 175 has disposed thereover the thread portion which is to be knitinto the splice, the splice thread between the points 91 and 277 willcatch this portion which is looped over the hook 175, as 'the hook 175swings inwardly to its inner position, to hold-'the portion of thesplice yarn designated -by number 27 9 in Figure 24 of the drwingsin ataut relation so that. it

fivill not 'become caught in the yarn supportthread. 'llliefv ort-'ion280 of the. splicev 1in tie s lice, and immediately attent-he Jas-the'portion 279zis released a spring 290 1in-der t'ensienwill springupwardly to draw the portion `280 taut across the top of the need ecylinder.:L The spring,r arm 290 is connectedat 291-011,A the ca inAring 29, and it isA convoluted v'at 292 .in spring manner, and its freeendv is provided with an eye 293 thru which the lsplice fyjarnis.threaded at a lo- 'cationbetwe'en'the' aperture 91 in the guide arm Hand a gnide'eye294 whichis likewise supported on .the'cam ring 29. Theneedle cylinder B thengrotates to the position illiistratcd in vFigure16 of the drawings, and the cycle of operation again takes place, asabove described.

It is=ap`paijent from the foregoing description ciV this invention thatthe mechanism will knit the splice, reinforcing, or secondarythreadintol the stocking orother garnie-nt, for a part of the.circumference or" the garment, without vthe attendant float or free'port-ions; resulting in the saving of, consderable yarn; and simpliyinethe number of operations necessary to coinpiete the article. To myknowledge this hasnever before been done in connection with knit-tingmachines of this character. i

It is to be noted that at the end of the inner swing of the arm`150 thecani tin- -ger 191 rides on'thc shoulder 192 toyclerate ilic hook cnd-175. This enables the splice thread S as illustrated'lin Figure 17 toride beneath the hook 175, and immediately after which the arm 150issiviing outwardly and hook end 175 is lowered to catch the splice yarnin the position illustrated in Figure 18.

Various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be madeto the 'form of invention herein shown and described, withoutdepartingfrom the spirit of 'this inventionror the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In a knitting machine, a rotary needle cylinder, needles carriedthereby for receiv ing a body yarn and including a set of needles forreceiving a splice yarn, means for directing a body yarn to the needlesof the cylinder,v means for suoporting a -splice yar11,.nieans foroperably ividing the splice yarn receiving needles from the remainder ofthe needles, and means cooperating with' said last mentioned means .forguiding and controllingr the splice yarn with respect to said spliceyarn needles to entirely knit said splice yar-n 'in a continuous knittedrelation vwith the body yarnalong a splice section which entends aboutpart only o'f the circumference of the article being knit, and withoutfloat portions', during full rotary knitting action on the article'while tlie cylinder is rotating. S0

2. In a knitting -inachinethe combination of' rotary knitting means toconventionally knit aportioniof an articlefrom a main yarn extendinglthroughout the full. circumference of the article, and means' tocooper- 'ate with vthe. last mentionedrnieans during full rotaryknitting to knit a complete con tinuousrsplice yarn together with themain yarn about a portion only of the circumference of thearticlewithout the formation J0 of the 'ordinai'yfsplice yarn floatportion.

` 3; In a stocking knitting .machine the combination of a rotaryknittingmachine including' means to conventionally-knit a tubular stocking freina main yarn, `and means to operate with the last mentioned means duringfull rotary knitting to knit a splice yarn into the stocking togetherwith the main yarnfor a ortion of'tlie circumferen ce of thestockingwiththe vsplice yarn being continuous along the splice section without theattendant formation of ordinary splice yarn Afloat portions, i

'4. In a circular knitting machine the combination of -a needlecylinder, needles on the cylinder, means for eeding'main and splicethreads to the needles, cam means for operating the needles to knit withthe main thread.

aseccnd cam `means to operate a selected number of said needles toengage and knit 11o the splice thread together with the main thread, andmeans for guiding and regulating what isorclin'arily the float portionof the splice thread, -with respect to said selectcrl number of needlesoperated by the second cani means` and during Afull rotary knitting toentirely knit the splice thread continuous with the main thread alongthe splice section.

In a circular stocking knitting ina- 120 chine having a main yarn feed,and means for reinforcing an area less than the full circumference ofthe stocking includingmeans which during full rotary knitting will knita continuous reinforcing yarn toget-her with the main yarn from courseto course along a stocking without floated portions.

G. In a. circular knitting machine-a needle cylinder, tivo sets ofneedles for said cylinder, means for feeding a main yarn to both of saidsets of needles, splice yarn supporting means, cam means for the needlesof both sets of needles to knit the mam yarn, cam means to operate onthe. needles ot one set ot needles to receive the splice yarn thereaboutand means to take. guide. and direct during full cylinder rotation what.would ordinarily be the {lo-at portion of the splice yarn immediatelyafter knitting of the splice yarn, into knitting relation on the spliceyarn needles on th ir next operation by the second cam means whereby toknit a continuous splice yarn together with the main yarn without wasteand floated portions.

7. In a circular knitting machine, a rotary needle supporting cylinder,two sets of needles supported by said cylinder, means for supporting amain yarn, means to operate the needles so that. all of the needles otboth sets will take the main yarn for knitting a tubular article. meansfor supporting a splice yarn, cam means for operating on one` ot saidsets of needles to-elevate the same prior to the. knitting point on thecylinder, and means actuating during full rotary knitting of the articlefor taking the splice yarn at alternate times at the end of the knittingthereof together with the main yarn into the splice and bringing it intoreceiving relation with the last mentioned set ot' needles tooperatively engage thereon prior to the knitting point whereby acontinuous splice yarn is knit together with the main yarn without'float portions.

8. In a circular knitting machine, a rotary needle supporting cylinder,two sets of needles sup rted by said cylinder, means for supporting amain yarn, means to operate the needles so that all of the needles otboth sets will take the same yarn for knitting a tubular article, meansfor supporting a splice yarn, cam means for operating on one of saidsets of needles to elevate the same prior to the knitting point on thecylinder, means actuating during full rotation of the cylinder fortaking the splice yarn at.

. alternate times at. the end of the knitting thereof together with themain yarn into the splice and bringing it into receiving relation withthe last mentioned set of needles to operatively' engage thereon priorto the knitting point. and means for operating on the. splice threadwhen the same is in the position indicated in the last. mentioned meansand during rotation ot' the cylinder prior to the knitting pointI tortaking a supply ofsplice thread from the bobbin to enable the knittinginto the splice together with the main yarn ot what. would ordinarily bethe float portion of the splice yarn, whereby a continuous splice yarnis knit together With the main yarn Without. floatportions along thesplice.

9. In a circular knitting machine the combination of a rotating needlerylinder, a plurality of needles arranged in circular .arrangement onthe needle cylinder, means to continuously knit a body yarn into agarment` on the cylinder, cam vmeans operating on a portion o1' theneedles to elevate the. same at a predetermined location in the rotationoi the cylinder, means for guiding a splice yarn into receiving relationby said portion ot' needles above. mentioned to kuit into the main yarnt'or a portion of the circumference. of the garment, means for takingthe trailing splice yarn at the end ot the knitting thereotl into thesplice. of the garment and what would ordinarily bc the float portionand bringing it, to the outside ot' the circular line of needles on theneedle cylinder, meansl t'or movingr the splice yarn from said positionabout the tirst oi the nredles ot' said portion ol needles abovementioned to enable. the splice yarn in this relation to be received inposition for knitting on said needles, and means to operate on thesplice. yarn in the last described position to pull a supply thereoffrom the bobbin to enable the same to knit into the. splice on the next.knitting' operation.

10. ln a circular knitting machine the combination of a rotary needlecylinder, a plurality ot sets of needles arranged in circular relationon said needle cylinder, one ot' said ot needles being the splice threadreceiving needles, means to elevate ithe splice thread receiving needlesat a predetermined location during each revolution of the needlecylinder', means to operate on all of the needles on the needlecylinder' to knit, means to supply a body yarn to the needles, means toguide a splice yarn for knitting into the. splice in regular manner, amovable arm, means synchronized with the needle cylinde and operatingupon the arm to swing the same across the top of the needle cylinderduring cylinder rotation for bringing the trailing splice yarn aftereach regular knit into the splice of the garment to the outside of thecircular line of needles so as to extend said splice yarn from said armto the splice yarn guide means above mentioned. a second arm, meansoperably synchronized with the needle cylinder. to move the second armagainst the splice thread and upon the ad- `vancing elevated needles ofthe splice yarn receiving needles as they move toward the knitting pointon the needle cylinder` means for operating on the tirst. mentioned armto hold the splice yarn as the splice yarn receiving needles move to theknitting point in order to take a supply of splice ya'rn from the bobbinCo permit the knit ot what would ordinarily be the float portion of theyarn in the splice of the garment. means for slowly feeding said supplyof splice yarn to permit such knitting, and means for guiding anddirecting the splice yarn during the knitting

